I'm a rambler, I'm a gambler,
I'm a long ways from my home.
If you people don't like me,
Well, just leave me alone.
For it's dark and it's a-raining,
And the moon gives no light,
And my pony can hardly travel
On this dark road at night.
You know, I once had me a true love,
Lord, her age was just sixteen.
She was the flower of Belton
And the rose of Saline.
But her parents they didn't like me,
And now she's just the same.
So if I'm writ on your books, gal,
Well, just you blot out my name.
For there's changes in the ocean,
And there's changes in the sea,
And there's changes in my true love,
But there ain't no change in me.